The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has suffered a blow after its candidate for the Kisa East Ward by-elections, Abraham Isaiah Ayaya, declined the party’s nomination and announced he will instead vie under the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K).
In a statement released on Thursday, October 2, Ayaya explained that while ODM had handed him a nomination certificate on September 1, he had already committed himself to DAP-K, where he is a registered member.
“Subsequently, I hereby respectfully decline the nomination certificate issued to me and return the name to the party,” Ayaya said.
ODM had earlier unveiled Ayaya as its flag bearer for the November 27 by-election after withdrawing the ticket from Thomas Oyoolo.
The nomination was presented by Kakamega Governor and ODM County Chairperson Fernandes Barasa during a ceremony on October 1.
The Kisa East Ward seat became vacant following the tragic death of former MCA Stephen Maloba in 2023.
Maloba, who was elected on a KANU ticket, died after a violent confrontation at a political event in Munjiti Village, Khwisero Constituency.
According to Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula, Maloba was fatally injured during clashes between rival political groups.
His death shocked residents and heightened political tensions in the area.
Ayaya’s decision to ditch ODM for DAP-K has raised fresh political questions in Kakamega. The move is seen as a setback for Raila Odinga’s party, which has long enjoyed dominance in the region.
DAP-K, associated with Defense Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, has been positioning itself as a strong alternative for Western Kenya voters.
Political analysts argue that the defection could tilt the balance in the by-election, with ODM now forced to re-strategize.
“This is a classic case of a party struggling to manage internal nominations,” one observer noted.
0 Comments